Ocala Arts Festival 2026

2026 marks the 59th annual Ocala Arts Festival in Ocala, Florida. A supportive, art-loving community, beautiful setting, notable on-site artist amenities and hospitality make this two-day festival an enjoyable experience for exhibiting artists and the public alike. Renowned artist amenities include complimentary daily breakfast, snacks & beverages; Saturday artist dinner; convenient Friday set-up; artist parking; security; and, booth sitters.

The Ocala Arts Festival is a signature event on Ocala's busy cultural calendar that draws over 30,000 visitors - both local residents and art-buying tourists - to Ocala's engaging downtown. Fine Arts For Ocala is sure to makie this festival a successful weekend for artists by committing to invite at least 150 artists and promising to promote the festival heavily throughout Central Florida.

Application Requirements:

- Submit four photographs, including one booth photo.

- Apply in one category only; separate applications required for additional categories.

- Blind jurying concludes by July 18

- Acceptance notifications by July 20; booth fee due by August 15.
 

Artist Benefits:

Renowned artist amenities include complimentary daily breakfast, snacks & beverages; Saturday artist dinner; convenient Friday set-up; artist parking; security; and, booth sitters.

Categories:

Clay, Digital Art, Drawing and Graphics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media (2D), Mixed Media (3D), Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Watercolor and Wood.

Emerging Artist Program:

Supports new artists with waived booth fees, a travel stipend and other benefits. Limited to six participants. Instead of uploading a booth photo, please add a fourth photo of your art work.

Judging & Awards:

- Jury panel selected for their art expertise.

- $27,000 in awards, including a $5,000 Best In Show.

- Two judges selected for their expertise.

- Judging based on originality, creativity and booth presentation.

Rules:

- Artists must be 18 or older.

- All work must be original, handcrafted by the applying artist, and available for sale.

- No machine-made or mass-produced work allowed.

- Artists must be present for the entire duration of the festival.

Booth Fees & Setup:

- Standard Booth: $300; Corner Booth: $400.

- Artists provide their own 10'x10' white tent or rent from our local vendor.

- Setup details provided upon acceptance.

- Jury fee: $50.